The national debate about whether students have too much
homework shadows the critical importance being placed on academic
success. Surveys indicate that parents of school-age children say
their number-one concern is their children's education.
Accordingly, there's a growing demand for academic tutors by
parents at all socioeconomic levels.

Tutors offer students individual attention-something in
short supply in crowded classrooms. Tutors can customize what they
teach to the level and needs of each student, allowing students to
learn at their own pace without the pressure of peers or
authorities. While national chains are providing tutoring services
in many communities, self-employed tutors are charging-and
finding work for-as much as $150 an hour.

While math is the most popular subject students and their
parents seek professional tutoring for, there's almost no limit
to the subjects that someone can offer tutoring for. Tutors are
sought by everyone from struggling history pupils to students slow
to grasp computer skills. Other parents just want their kids to
keep up, knowing they'll fall behind if they haven't
mastered basic skills or are struggling to pass required
coursework. Another tutoring specialty is working with students who
have learning disabilities.

A key market for tutors these days is coaching students to pass
entrance examinations. Standardized admissions tests-such as
the ACT, CSEE, ERB, ISEE, PSAT, SSAT, SAT I & II, and
TOEFL-strike fear into the hearts of parents and students
alike, driving some students to begin preparing months before the
exams.

What kind of qualities should a tutor have, besides strong
knowledge of a particular subject? Good communication skills are
essential in order to listen to and interpret students' needs
and to impart directions and information in simple, clear and
concise language. "[Students] may not know how to ask a
question in a way to get the information they want," says Jan
Berinstein, a computer skills tutor. "If you don't listen
carefully to their questions and don't take time to give
thoughtful answers, they'll become frustrated."

Enduring patience is also required. Students who need tutoring
may lack confidence and don't instinctively understand what a
tutor presumably knows well. Students may need frequent repetition,
repeated rephrasing of explanations, continual reinforcement, and
lots of encouragement and reassurance.

Although a degree in education isn't necessary, a
bachelor's degree or, in some specialized subjects, an
additional advanced degree is needed for credibility in marketing
yourself as a tutor. While most states have yet to require
examinations or licenses to be a tutor, there are exceptions such
as Pennsylvania, so this needs to be checked. Regardless of
licensing, if you're going to tutor in a complex subject like
microbiology, you must be well-versed in it. Thus, most tutors tend
to offer more basic subjects to grade school and high school
students.

Most self-employed tutors have students come to their homes, but
some go to their students' homes and charge a higher fee. While
tutoring is usually done on a one-to-one basis, some tutors will
work with as many as three students at a time, reducing the
standard fee per student. While some elite tutors do command fees
of as much as $150 per hour, most tutors charge between $15 and $50
per hour. The rate varies with experience, location and whether the
tutor goes to the student's home.

Ways to get started include contacting teachers in your
specialized subject areas, posting fliers, participating in
community organizations, and having your own Web site with its own
domain name and testimonial letters.

Creating a MAP will take no more than an hour of your time every month and will keep the lines of communication open, ensuring relationships with investors remain strong, and ultimately helping early-stage startups succeed.